In this guide you will learn everything you need to know to register your telephone line according to the new Mexican regulations. We will explain the entire process step by step, from the documents you need to how to avoid common mistakes that can complicate your process.
Verifyemails is a phone number verification service, although it does not offer you information about the holder, you can know in real time if the phone is real, connected to the mobile network, the geographical area and the mobile operators that manage the line. This will avoid registering invalid numbers in your registration processes with your users.
Why is it mandatory to register your cell phone in Mexico 2026?
As of January 2026, Mexico eliminates a practice that for decades allowed the purchase and activation of SIM cards without identity verification. This regulation completely changes the way mobile telecommunications work in the country.
Main objectives of this regulation
What is the fundamental reason behind this measure? The new regulation mainly seeks to eliminate crimes that rely on untraceable phone numbers. For years, anonymity in cell phones facilitated the proliferation of millions of disposable lines without any traceability.
The measure also aligns Mexico with international standards already implemented in countries such as Germany, Spain and Brazil. The aim is to restore confidence in the telephone system through stricter regulation.
In practical terms, the government ensures that each phone line is linked to a verifiable identity. This allows greater traceability in the use of mobile services and more effective control over their activation.
Crimes to be combated
The main goal of this regulation is to reduce criminal activities that benefit from telephone anonymity:
- Telephone extortion
- Virtual kidnappings
- Fraud and scams via SMS
- Collection of floor fees
- Different types of fraud
Currently, multiple distribution centers sell telephone chips without asking for any identification, a practice widely exploited by criminal groups. President Claudia Sheinbaum has pointed out that many extortion calls come from prisons, which is why complementary measures are implemented such as limiting access to landlines and cutting off antenna signals.
Legal framework of the new regulation
The Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law establishes that each cell phone line must be associated with a verifiable person. The guidelines were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation and enter into force on January 9, 2026.
The regulations give users until June 30, 2026, to complete the registration. Lines that do not comply with this requirement will be suspended, allowing only calls to emergency numbers such as 911.
Remember that the law does not require the creation of a centralized government registry. The association of numbers is exclusively in charge of the cell phone companies, responsible for collecting and safeguarding the data in accordance with the Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data.
It is important to note that the government can only request additional information from companies in the event of the commission of a crime, according to the terms set out in the Federal Penal Code.
Who should register their line and what documentation do you need to submit?
Image Source: Diario de Yucatán
Are you wondering if your telephone line is included in this new regulation? The answer is clear: all users of mobile services in Mexico must complete this process. Below, we explain what user profile you are and what documents you need to prepare.
All lines are included: prepaid and postpaid
Remember that all users of any telephone company are required to register their cell line, without exception. It doesn’t matter if you have a monthly rental plan or use prepaid cards like Amigo de Telcel.
This measure affects the more than 142 million active lines in Mexico, including all those that allow:
- Make voice calls
- Send SMS text messages
- Make calls over the internet
Different types of users, different conditions
The registration applies to different profiles, each with specific conditions:
If you are Mexican: You can register up to 10 mobile lines with the same CURP, regardless of whether you have them in the same company or distributed among several operators.
If you have a business activity: There is no limit to the number of telephone lines, as long as you present your proof of tax situation.
If you’re a business: You also don’t have a limit on the number of lines you can register[92].
If you are a foreigner: You must follow a specific process with valid international documentation.
If you are a minor: You cannot register lines in your name directly; these must be linked to a responsible adult such as a parent or legal guardian.[92]
What documents do you need according to your situation?
We recommend reviewing this list before starting the process:
For Mexicans:
- Valid official identification with photograph (INE or passport)
- CURP (Unique Population Registry Code)[73][81]
For companies:
- Company name
- RFC (Federal Taxpayer Registry)
- Official identification of the legal representative
- Optionally, Advanced Electronic Signature (e.firma) for authentication
For foreigners:
- Valid passport[81]
- Temporary CURP for foreigners residing in Mexico (if applicable)[81][91]
- Country of origin[92]
How to register step by step
Image Source: El Financiero
Registering your mobile line is easier than it seems. We show you the two options available to complete this procedure without complications.
Face-to-face registration at service centers
If you prefer direct attention, this is your best option. The process is very straightforward:
Step 1: Go to your operator’s Customer Service Centre with your valid official ID (INE or passport).
Step 2: The staff will verify your data and validate your CURP with the National Population Registry.
Step 3: Once the linking is complete, you will receive a sheet of paper confirming that the procedure was carried out correctly.
Online registration from your operator’s portal
For added convenience, you can do the entire process from home. Enter the official site of your telephone company using the format: “www. [operatorname].com/linkline”.
The system will guide you through these steps:
- Accept the privacy notice
- Capture and upload clear images of your official ID
- Complete the liveness test
- Verify that your personal data is correct
How the liveness test works
This biometric verification is more sophisticated than just a photo. During remote registration, the system will ask you to perform specific movements such as head gestures or facial expressions in real time. This mechanism detects depth, texture, and reflections, preventing someone from using pre-recorded photos or videos to impersonate you.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Some problems that usually occur include the saturation of the service during the first few days, inconsistencies between your CURP and the identification data, or that your CURP is not certified by the National Population Registry.
Remember that you only have three attempts to register your line online. If none of them is successful, you must go to a service center in person.
Important dates, what happens if you don’t comply and protecting your data
Knowing the key dates is essential to prevent your line from being suspended. Below we explain the official deadlines and what you can expect throughout the process.
When do I need to complete registration?
The registration process officially began on January 9, 2026. From that date, all new lines must be registered immediately upon activation.
If you already have an active line, you have until June 30, 2026 as the deadline. We recommend that you do not wait until the last minute, as no additional extensions are contemplated.
What happens to unregistered lines?
From 1 July 2026, all unregistered lines will be automatically suspended. During sleep, your phone will only be able to:
- Make calls to emergency numbers (911, 088, 089)
- Contact citizen services (074, 079)
- Contact your phone provider
- Receive official alerts (earthquakes, floods)
Remember that suspension does not eliminate your payment obligations. If you have a postpaid plan, you will continue to pay the monthly fee even if you cannot use the service.
The security of your personal information
Phone companies are required by law to implement technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect your information. Your data remains under the protection of the operators in accordance with the Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data.
Authorities can only request access to this information for specific investigations of crimes such as extortion and kidnapping. Misuse of your data is prohibited.
Limit of lines per person
As an individual you can register up to 10 telephone lines linked to the same CURP, regardless of whether they belong to the same company or to different operators. This limit seeks to prevent irregular chip hoarding.
For legal entities and individuals with business activity, this limit does not apply, being able to register the lines that justify their commercial activity.
Conclusion
The mandatory registration of mobile lines in Mexico marks an important turning point for telecommunications security. This measure seeks to protect citizens by creating a system where each line is linked to a verifiable identity, significantly reducing telephone crimes.
Remember that you have until June 30, 2026 to complete this mandatory procedure. We recommend that you do not leave it to the last minute, as the consequences are immediate: after this date your line will be suspended and you will only be able to make emergency calls. Take advantage of the different modalities available, both face-to-face and online, to complete the process without complications.
The protection of your data is guaranteed by the Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data. Phone companies must implement specific security measures, and authorities can only access this information for investigations of specific crimes.
For companies that handle large volumes of contacts, having verification tools is essential. Services such as VerificarEmails.com allow you to check if a phone number really exists and is valid by directly querying network information. This process is done without the user receiving messages or having to take any action. It improves the quality of records, prevents errors and incomplete data, and optimizes validation processes to ensure that the information collected is truly useful.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be compliant with regulations without difficulty and avoid interruptions to your service. This measure goes beyond simple control: it seeks to create a safer telecommunications environment for all Mexicans.
Key Takeaways
As of January 2026, Mexico implements mandatory cell line registration to combat crimes such as extortion and fraud. Here are the essential points you should know:
• Critical deadline: You have until June 30, 2026 to register your line or it will be automatically suspended
• Necessary documents: You only require valid official identification (INE/passport) and CURP to complete the process
• Two registration options: You can do it in person at service centers or online from your operator’s portal
• Limit per person: Each CURP can register a maximum of 10 telephone lines, with no restrictions for companies
• Consequences of non-compliance: Unregistered lines will only be able to make emergency calls to 911
• Guaranteed security: Your data remains protected under the Federal Law on Personal Data Protection
This measure seeks to eliminate the telephone anonymity that facilitated criminal activities, aligning Mexico with international standards of countries such as Spain and Germany. Don’t leave this procedure to the last minute: completing it early will avoid inconveniences and possible system saturations.
FAQs
Q1. Is it mandatory to register my cell line in Mexico in 2026? Yes, it is mandatory for all mobile phone users in Mexico, regardless of whether they have a rental or prepaid plan. The deadline to register existing lines is June 30, 2026.
Q2. How many cell lines can I register with my CURP? As an individual, you can register up to 10 telephone lines linked to the same CURP. This limit applies in total, regardless of whether the lines belong to the same or different telephone companies.
Q3. What documents do I need to register my cell phone? For Mexicans, a valid official photo ID (INE or passport) and the CURP are required. Foreigners must present their valid passport and, if applicable, the temporary CURP for residents in Mexico.
Q4. How can I register my cell line? You have two options: register in person at a customer service center of your operator or do it online through the official web portal of your telephone company. In both cases, you will need to provide the required documentation and complete proof of life.
Q5. What happens if I don’t register my cell line by the deadline? If you do not register your line by July 1, 2026, it will be automatically suspended. You will only be able to make calls to emergency numbers and citizen services, but you will not be able to use other services in your plan. It’s important to register your line on time to avoid service interruptions.
Q6. How can Verificatemails help you in the sign-up process? Verificaremails es un servicio profesional de verificación de números de teléfono para México. Permite saber en tiempo real si un número existe y esta asociado a algún operador telefónico.
